Veteran Filipino boxer Pete Apolinar faces a crucial test in his career as he attempts to break his losing streak in Japan against undefeated Japanese champion Kenji Fujita. The two fighters will clash for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia-Pacific featherweight title on December 6, 2025, at the famous Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.
Apolinar's Challenging History in Japan
The 30-year-old Apolinar has experienced nothing but disappointment in his four previous fights on Japanese soil. His first trip to Japan in 2022 ended in a fifth-round stoppage loss to Yoshiki Takei, who later became a world champion in their OPBF super bantamweight bout.
Later that same year, Apolinar returned to Japan only to suffer another defeat, this time by unanimous decision against Hayato Tsutsumi. The pattern continued last year with two more trips to Japan resulting in unanimous decision losses to Matcha Nakagawa and Kaishu Harada.
Apolinar comes into this fight with some momentum, having scored a fourth-round technical knockout victory over Pablito Canada on June 29, 2025, in Gen. Santos City. His overall record stands at 18 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw with 11 knockouts.
Fujita's Dominance Against Filipino Boxers
Standing in Apolinar's way is the formidable Kenji Fujita, who maintains a perfect professional record of 9 wins with no losses and 5 knockouts. The 31-year-old Japanese champion has built his impressive resume primarily by defeating Filipino fighters.
Fujita's list of Filipino victims includes former world title challenger Jeo Santisima along with Rodex Piala, Michael Casama, Joseph Ambo, Daniel Nicholas, Ronnie Campos, and Jestine Tesoro. He captured the vacant WBO Asia-Pacific belt with a unanimous decision victory over Tesoro and has successfully defended it against Piala, Casama, and South Korea's Ha Nok Sim.
The Stakes for Both Fighters
This bout represents a critical juncture in both fighters' careers. For Apolinar, it's an opportunity to finally secure his first victory in Japan and revitalize his career after struggling against Japanese opponents. His experience as a former sparring partner of Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue could provide valuable insights into fighting Japanese style boxers.
For Fujita, the fight offers a chance to maintain his undefeated record and continue his dominance over Filipino boxers while defending his regional title. The winner will position themselves for potential world title opportunities in the competitive featherweight division.
Boxing fans can expect an intense battle when these two determined fighters meet in the ring at Korakuen Hall, a venue renowned for hosting historic boxing matches throughout Japan's combat sports history.
